Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Georgette Cole, Sylvie Favret, Ted Kelly, Joli McCathran and Bill Robertson. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and residents Charlie Challstrom, Audrey Maskery, David Neumann, Paula Puglisi and Bruce Rothrock. Joe Clark arrived after the approval of the agenda.

Approval of Agenda

Public Appearances

David Neumann brought estimates for replacing the tennis court fencing that was damaged when a tree fell on it in the winter. He believes that the Council has three (3) options; 1) replace the entire fence around the hard court at the cost of $12,000.00 for materials only; 2) repair the area where the tree fell at the cost of $3,200.00 for materials only; 3) replace the entire fence that faces Grove Road at the cost of $4,700.00 for materials only. David also brought forth the idea of obtaining old, useable fencing that was being torn down at Montgomery College in the fall. He explained that this used fencing could be obtained at little or no cost to the Town. David also pointed out that there were two (2) trees that could fall on the new fence and suggested that steps be taken to either eliminate the threat or budget for the possibility of another fence repair/replacement. A discussion ensued.

Approval of Minutes

Ted Kelly moved, Sylvie Favret seconded that the Town Council minutes for February 14, 2011 be approved. Georgette Cole asked to change the word “document” to “ordinance” under the ZTA discussion. Vote: 6-0.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Mary Challstrom reported that the Verizon Operating Tax was down to $2,200.00. She also reported that the final LOS monies had been received. Joe Clark asked about the streetlight conversion. There was a discussion about PEPCO’s inability to come up with a realistic maintenance fee and their attempt to impose the equivalent of a double tax on the new induction bulbs, thus extending the period for which the Town might realize a savings to two (2) years.

Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Treasurer’s Report for February be accepted. Vote: 6-0.

Mayor’s Announcements

Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that there was nothing new on this subject. He stated that CSX would like to come to talk to the Town in April.

LOS Maintenance Update – Mayor Anderson reported that M-NCPPC representative Brenda Sandberg still did not have a completed maintenance plan. He went on to say that, so far, he knows that M-NCPPC wishes to completely eradicate the Mile-A-Minute, to clear-cut the grass and to eradicate the invasives that currently exist along Ridge Road. Joli McCathran stated that clear-cutting the grass would destroy the natural field succession that has occurred so far. A discussion about a community garden and what may come with that, the LOS Maintenance Committee working with M-NCPPC on a plan, no hard trails and a presentation to the Town ensued.

Mayor Anderson reminded the Council about the Public Hearing on Ordinance 2011-01, which is scheduled for March 24th. He asked that the Council come and listen.

Council Reports

The Mayor and Council discussed the following:

Town Pick-up of storm debris – April 18th

A Bulletin reminder about recyclable yard waste and how to do it – March Bulletin

Scheduling the final leaf pick-up by the contractor – 1st week of April

Joe Clark asked that the purchase of a zero-turn mower be discussed under New Business rather than in the Council Reports.

Georgette Cole made a clerical change to her report; changed “Block Survey” to “Boundary Survey”. She also gave the Council a handout showing the landscaping plan for McCathran Hall. Soil is needed before April 9th (Arbor Day celebration) in order for the plants to be put in the ground. She asked that the soil and preparing the old Town garden for seeding be placed on a priority list for Town Maintenance before the mowing begins.

There was a brief discussion about where to dump the leaves from the final spring pick-up and about how often to mulch the leaves on Town property.

Sylvie Favret added some information to her report.

Georgette Cole moved to approve the Council Reports, as amended. Sylvie Favret seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.

McCathran Hall Rental Policy

Bill Robertson presented his recommendations for changes to Resolution 2004-03 which governs the use of McCathran Hall. The Clerk will incorporate the changes (text in red) into the original document and send to the Mayor and Town Council before the April 11th meeting. There was a discussion about when to stop the amplified music, enforcement, complaints, number of events per weekend, number of events per month and bass-driven woofer & sub-woofer speakers. This item will be on the agenda for April 11, 2011.

Emergency Repairs of the Tennis Court Fence

Bill Robertson suggested that Town Maintenance make emergency repairs to the fence now and wait and see what fencing we may get from Montgomery College. A discussion about the budget, matching fence colors, self-installation and pricing ensued.
Joe Clark moved to purchase new fencing that will replace all of the sections that are closest to and run parallel to Grove Road. The cost is not to exceed $5,000.00 in materials and equipment rentals and the color should match the green Montgomery College fencing. Ted Kelly seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.

New Business

After discussion, the Council voted to purchase a zero-turn mower. After determining the cost would be more than the amount specified in the Town Charter ($5,000), the Mayor authorized issuing bids for the mower.

Ted Kelly turned in a letter of resignation to the Mayor and Council saying that his ever increasing personal responsibilities with family out of state were causing in an increase in travel thus resulting in an inability to attend meetings.

Treasurer Mary Challstrom asked if the April Town Bulletin could be delayed a few days in order to add any proposed budget changes that may arise.